Major von Tellheim, Minna, FranziskaFRAN.
And now, my lady, make it up with the poor Major.
MIN.
Oh! kind intercessor! As if the difficulties must not soon explain themselves.
MAJ. T. (after reading the letter, with much emotion.)Ah! nor has he herein belied himself! Oh! Minna, what justice! what clemency! This is more than I expected; more than I deserved!--My fortune, my honour, all is reestablished!--Do I dream?
(Looking at the letter, as if to convince himself.)No, no delusion born of my own desires! Read it yourself, Minna; read it yourself!
MIN.
I would not presume, Major.
MAJ. T.
Presume! The letter is to me; to your Tellheim, Minna. It contains--what your uncle cannot take from you. You must read it! Do read it.
MIN.
If it affords you pleasure, Major.
(Takes the letter and reads.)
"My dear Major von Tellheim,"I hereby inform you, that the business which caused me some anxiety on account of your honour, has been cleared up in your favour. My brother had a more detailed knowledge of it, and his testimony has more than proved your innocence. The Treasury has received orders to deliver again to you the bill in question, and to reimburse the sum advanced. I have also ordered that all claims which the Paymaster's Office brings forward against your accounts be nullified. Please to inform me whether your health will allow of your taking active service again. I can ill spare a man of your courage and sentiments. I am your gracious King," &c.
MAJ. T.
Now, what do you say to that, Minna?
MIN. (folding up and returning the letter).
I? Nothing.
MAJ. T.
Nothing?
MIN.
Stay--yes. That your king, who is a great man, can also be a good man.
--But what is that to me! He is not my king.
MAJ. T.
And do you say nothing more? Nothing about ourselves?
MIN.
You are going to serve again. From Major, you will become Lieutenant-Colonel, perhaps Colonel. I congratulate you with all my heart.
MAJ. T.
And you do not know me better? No, since fortune restores me sufficient to satisfy the wishes of a reasonable man, it shall depend upon my Minna alone, whether for the future I shall belong to any one else but her. To her service alone my whole life shall be devoted! The service of the great is dangerous, and does not repay the trouble, the restraint, the humiliation which it costs. Minna is not amongst those vain people who love nothing in their husbands beyond their titles and positions. She will love me for myself; and for her sake I will forget the whole world. I became a soldier from party feeling--I do not myself know on what political principles--and from the whim that it is good for every honourable man to try the profession of arms for a time, to make himself familiar with danger, and to learn coolness and determination. Extreme necessity alone could have compelled me to make this trial a fixed mode of life, this temporary occupation a profession. But now that nothing compels me, my whole and sole ambition is to be a peaceful and a contented man. This with you, dearest Minna, I shall infallibly become; this in your society I shall unchangeably remain. Let the holy bond unite us to-morrow; and then we will look round us, and in the whole wide habitable world seek out the most peaceful, the brightest, most smiling nook which wants but a happy couple to be a Paradise. There we will dwell; there shall each day. . . . What is the matter, Minna?
(Minna turns away uneasily, and endeavours to hide her emotion.)MIN. (regaining her composure).
It is cruel of you, Tellheim, to paint such happiness to me, when I am forced to renounce it. My loss--MAJ. T.
Your loss! Why name your loss? All that Minna could lose is not Minna.
You are still the sweetest, dearest, loveliest, best creature under the sun; all goodness and generosity, innocence and bliss! Now and then a little petulant; at times somewhat wilful--so much the better!
So much the better! Minna would otherwise be an angel, whom I should honour with trepidation, but not dare to love.
(Takes her hand to kiss it.)
MIN. (drawing away her hand).
